“We Never Stopped Him”: NSC Fires Back at Peter Obi Over Flamingos

The National Sports Commission has rejected claims by Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi that he was prevented from meeting the Flamingos, demanding an apology from him over what it described as false and misleading statements.

The apology demand was made in a statement on Monday, after Obi alleged that he was denied access to the team following their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup victory in Morocco, ValidViewNetwork reports .

THE CLAIM

Obi had said in a post on X that he was prevented from meeting the Flamingos despite his desire to celebrate their achievement, suggesting that political considerations were at play.

THE REJECTION

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The National Sports Commission denied the claim, stating that no such instruction was given and that Obi was never prevented from meeting the team.

The commission described Obi’s statement as an attempt to politicise the Flamingos’ victory and demanded a public apology.

THE CONTEXT

The Flamingos won Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday, defeating Japan 2-1 in Rabat. The victory has been celebrated across the country, with political leaders, sports officials, and citizens paying tribute to the team.

Obi’s claim of being denied access to the team has introduced a political dimension to what should have been a moment of national unity.

WHY IT MATTERS

The Flamingos’ victory was a moment of national pride. It was a triumph for Nigerian women’s football, for the players, and for the country.

Peter Obi’s claim, and the NSC’s rejection of it, have turned that moment into a political dispute. It is a reminder that in Nigeria, even the most unifying achievements can become fodder for partisan politics.

The NSC has demanded an apology. Obi has not yet responded. And the Flamingos, who should be celebrated, are caught in the middle. ValidViewNetwork reports.